A winter storm is blanketing much of Atlantic Canada in snow Tuesday with some areas seeing a mix of ice pellets and high winds.
Delays and cancellations are being reported in many areas, including the closure of all Halifax Regional School Board schools.
As well, Halifax’s overnight parking ban will continue to be enforced from 1 a.m. until 6 a.m. on Wednesday, to allow crews to continue clearing snow and ice from streets and sidewalks.
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Officials are encouraging people to secure off-street parking so municipal crews can continue their clean-up efforts. Residents who continue to park on the street could be issued a $50 ticket.
“We issued 353 parking tickets last night for the parking ban so still a lot of people that aren’t getting their cars off the roads. We really need that to happen to get the streets cleared to make sure it’s safe for people on their commute tomorrow morning,” said Nick Ritcey, spokesperson for the Halifax Regional Municipality.
Environment Canada has issued winter storm warnings for much of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island with snowfall amounts of up to 25 cm overnight.
Halifax police are reminding drivers to be alert, drive according to the weather conditions and properly clear their vehicles off before hitting the road.
“Prior to motorists leaving for their destination, it’s imperative that they clean off snow, ice and debris from their vehicles,” said Const. Kristine Fraser with the Halifax Regional Police.
“The Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act states that a driver cannot operate a motor vehicle with obstructions on a window. It carries a fine of $180.”
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The federal forecaster says the snow and blowing snow are expected to give way to ice pellets in some areas later morning.
Environment Canada is also predicting Newfoundland will see snowfall amounts of up to 15 cm with winds gusting up to 70 km/hr.
On Tuesday morning, Halifax Regional Municipality said main arterial and bus routes were still being plowed but blowing snow had made them snow covered. They advised drivers to be careful, and reminded pedestrians to wear bright clothing because blowing snow was creating poor visibility.
Several Halifax Transit routes were operating on a snow plan.
There is a delayed opening for municipal recreation programs, but solid waste collection is still scheduled for Tuesday.
With a file from the Canadian Press
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